Leslie Francis Shaw passed away peacefully at the Vulcan Community Health Centre on December 23, 2006 at the age of 91 years.
Les was born on July 25, 1915 in Vulcan, third child of Frank and Mary Anne Shaw. Les grew up on the family (Frank Shaw) homestead three miles west of Vulcan. He attended both the Harvey School and the Vulcan School. After completing high school, he took several short courses at SAIT and diesel school in Edmonton.
Les began his farming career when he purchased the Ruppel homestead in the 1940’s. Les also owned land west of Milo (Section 33), and north of the corner store (Mitchell Place). He rented land south of Brant (Fraser Estate) in 1942. Les married Margaret Fath on July 18, 1950. Their first home was the Fraser Estate south of Brant. In 1958 they purchased the family homestead where they continued to live until 2005. Les grew grain and raised cattle until he retired in 2003.
Les was a dedicated man. He was dedicated to his family, his church and his community. Les was a loving and gentle husband, father and grandfather. He set an example of faithfulness, honesty and integrity. He was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church all his life. He was one of the charter members of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Marien Council No. 7327. Les served the community as a 4-H club leader, the County 4-H executive council, St. John’s First Aid, Unifarm, Vulcan Historical Society, Vulcan Senior Centre and was an active shareholder in the Waldron Grazing Co-op.
Backcountry skiing in the mountains was one of Les’ early interests. Throughout his married life, Les enjoyed dancing, traveling (Germany, Japan, Maritimes, Hawaii, Yukon, a variety of US destinations and several cruises), and also had a keen interest in politics.
Les is survived by his loving wife Margaret, four sons Paul (Elsie) of Lac La Biche, Gordon (Marilyn), Ray (Bev), both of Vulcan and Kevin (Carol) of Calgary, eleven grandchildren Ben (Briar), Erin, Brandy, Grant, Nicholas, Keegan, Claire, Emily, Julia, Nathan Shaw and Colleen (Jason) Spencer, six great grand children, two brothers Stan (Dorothy) of Lethbridge, Louis (Margaret) of Vulcan, three sisters Frances (Peel) Hudgeon of Calgary, Patricia (Mel) Ward of Ottawa, Bernice (Phil) Heather of Nanton, sister-in-law Madeline (Jack) Stewart, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Les was predeceased by his parents, Frank (1963) and Mary Anne (1969), his infant brother Joseph, his brother Earl (1945) and his sister Marie (1985), brothers-in-law Harold (1984), and Raymond Fath (2002), and sister-in-law Ruth Delucrezio(1993).
Prayers for the Faithful were held on December 26, 2006 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Vulcan at 7:00 p.m. Mass of a Christian burial was held on Thursday December 27, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Vulcan with Rev. Philip Van Tinh Le officiating.
Interment Vulcan Cemetery.
Honorary bearers were the Knights of Columbus.
Casket bearers were the grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, tributes to Les’ memory can be made to Vulcan Health Care Long Term Care, Box 229, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.